2007 Sandstone Ice Festival

Updated - 11/29/07 - Climbing clinics are full, even after adding a third day of classes. Glenn Burns has done a great job with organizing the sign up, his work has been very helpful. New to the Ice Fest this year is the gear "Swap and Swing" on Saturday 3:00 to 5:00. Bring your old axes or that back pack that you don't use anymore to the Ice Fest Gear "Swap and Swing." If you're looking for that great deal or just want to stick some cash in your pocket, swing by the information tent and "let's make a deal". Look for the latest issue of MN Trails Magazine, the Sandstone Ice Fest has a nice write up. Big thanks to the Gas Lite Bar for hosting the Ice Festival's evening activities. The Gas Lite Bar is a little nicer establishment then most ice climbers are used to, please remember to remove your crampons. Hidden Ponds Tree Farm has donated a Christmas tree to be set up and decorated on the Gas Light Bar's heated patio. Are you still looking for a place to stay during ice fest? Rent a Snowtrkker Tent from White Woods Outfitters, all tents have a wood stove and can be rented for a night or the weekend. Contact Michael Olker (218-728-3702) to reserve a tent. Another option, just ten minutes from Sandstone, is the Grand Casino Hinkley. No woods stoves in the rooms, but some suites have jacuzzis. For hotel reservations call 800-468-3517. Check the Sandstone Ice Fest web site for ice conditions, I will posting photos soon. Tony

Updated 11/12/07 - The Sandstone Ice Festival is only a month away, so help celebrate the event's third year this December 7, 8, 9 in Sandstone, Minnesota. The event is gaining national recognition, and winter sports lovers are spreading the word.This year's Ice Fest has added winter camping clinics, a third day of climbing clinics, and a chili cook-off and homebrew contest. Snowtrekker Tents will be joining the action with a full line of light weight, winter camping tents on display. Stop by and see why Snowtrekker tents have become the first choice for winter trekking. On Saturday and Sunday Duane and Margo from Snowtrekker will be hosting winter camping clinics.The ice climbing clinics will be pre-register events, with an online sign-up form coming soon. A big thanks to Shawn Tracy for once again organizing the climbing clinics. Last year's clinics filled up fast, so an introduction to climbing class has been added for Friday to help with the demand. Other highlights include a slide show by Mike Ferris, a gear swap, and Bernie King performing Friday night at the Gas Lite Bar.The "Frozen Kettle Chili Cook-Off and Homebrew contest" finishes off the festivities at 4 pm on Sunday the 9th after all the climbing is over and the sun is setting. Reward yourselves by standing around a big fire on a cold winter night in Minnesota, eating chili drinking homebrew ... See photos of last year's Ice Fest and get more information at www.sandstoneicefest.comShare the excitement and help welcome in the winter. To sign up for the climbing clinics please email Glenn Burns: glenn.burns@gmail.comAddress the email "Ice Fest Clinics", include the class you want to attend and the day of the class.

—Tony Vavricka

Help welcome in the Winter with the third annual Sandstone Ice Festival December 7th-9th. It's happening again; ice climbing, winter camping, fireworks and a sponsors party at The Gas Light Bar.

The Robinson Quarry in the city of Sandstone, Minnesota is gaining recognition as a regional climbing destination. The park host 60-90 foot ice routs as well as "mixed" rock and ice climbing. Ice climbing clinics will be extended for a third day. Last year the climbing clinics filled up fast, this year the Sandstone Ice Festival will have 3 days of ice climbing clinics. Try out the latest and greatest in ice climbing equipment for the Down in the Quarry Gear Demos.

Winter Camping sponsored by Snowtrekker. The City of Sandstone has opened Robinson Park to camping for the weekend of the Ice Festival. Test your winter camping skills for a night or the whole weekend. If you are not sure about sleeping in a snowbank, attend one of the camping clinics put on by Snowtrekker and see how to winter camp in luxury.